Invisible wings.
The nurses on our ward are angels with invisible wings.
They are almost like a second family to Ivy and I.
I can even tell some of them how much of a failure I feel.
How my mothering takes a severe beating when I have to bring Ivy to the hospital, tail between my legs, because I can’t make her better.
They sit with me as big salty tears pour from my eyes and they listen and comfort.
They treat me as an equal.
They talk to Ivy and include her.
This ward is kind of like our safe haven as we work our way through Ivy’s journey.
The nurses know us.
I don’t tell many of them that I am a nurse.
You see, in my experiences, nurses treat nurses badly. They feel threatened in some way, that they are perhaps being watched, being judged and so they are cautious or awkward or both.
So, I don’t say but the nurses on our ward,
they know
and they don’t care.
In fact, they embrace my RN status.
They have walked with us.
They have cheered with our triumphs and they have cried with us on bad days.
They have brought tissues and padded quietly about, watching, always watching. Gaging the emotions that charge this small room.
I know they are taught to prompt and encourage parents to talk.
I know because I was taught the very same thing but I also know that you don’t have to be that kind of nurse. You can avoid those situations if you want to, if you don’t want the confrontation.
The nurses on our ward don’t do that.
They are angels.
On this visit, the rooms are full to overflowing with flu.
The nurses are gowned and gloved and wear heavy duck bill masks as they enter in and out of the rooms. Parents are tense and babies wail after they cough, their pain apparent through the thin walls.
I see the nurses come in new and I see them leave exhausted. Their days are heavy with the physical and the emotional toll and yet they turn up the next day with open palmed kindness and a clean slate.
They are always explaining, always comforting, always doing.
I have worked in some crazy, stressful environments. Even in paediatrics for a short while and I have experienced the vast spectrum of nursing on both sides of the fence
but I have to say that on the ward where we are staying every single nurse has been gorgeous, generous and wonderful.
I love that they love Ivy.
I love that they look out for me.
The nurses on our ward
are most definitely angels.
I’m so glad you have had this support in your ward and the comfort of knowing you are surrounded by kind and caring people. I imagine it makes a huge difference. xoxo
I’m so happy for you and Ivy that you have such wonderful nurses around you. Nurses (and teachers) should just be on squillions of dollars a year, and there are some in these professions that end up resentful, and there are some that never lose focus on why they are there and who know that a kind word or a well-timed hug or smile makes all the difference.
they are just magic………sigh………..
hugs
So glad to hear you’re BOTH being well looked after in there. xx
All three of my parents, one of my best friends, and my brother’s new girlfriend are all nurses!
I have a special place in my heart for nurses.
I’m so glad you and Ivy have wonderful people looking after you. At least there are some positive aspects in all of this!
My aunt and my cousin (her daughter) were nurses. My #2 Son was a CNA for a while, although he’s gone on to other things. There is a special place in my heart for those who work with and care for the sick and needy … for Nurses. And for you – especially for you.
Amazing profession.
It is wonderful that you have that kind of support when you are in there Tiff. Must make a horrible time a bit more bearable.
I visited the SCBU where Finbar died one year, and all the nurses who had cared for him ‘happened’ to be rostered on, mand I literally saw angel wings unfurl behind them.
That’s what I loved about the NICU. Erin’s nurses knew us, they really cared about us. Even now if I see them in the street they stop and talk and ask how we’re going. I honestly don’t know how they have the strength to keep going–or you for that matter!
You’re an amazing woman who gets beaten down by her daughters illness but you keep getting up. You dust yourself off and *you* keep coming back for more. I know you keep going because you have to, but that doesn’t make you any less special because plenty of mothers don’t. Plenty walk away.
You’re not a failure. The fact that you’re still standing and able to care attests to that.
And that is worth more than anything in the world! Nurses who hate their jobs and aren’t fond of their patients… are.no.fun!
I’m so glad you and Ivy have that support. *hug*
P.S. You need to send me your address.
I so wish that you weren’t there at all, but, as you are, I’m thrilled that you are surrounded by so much love and support.
xoxoxox
I’m so glad you have angels to look after you. You deserve them.
I am glad as well(copying barbara’s comment).
When I had to have Mum admitted to hospital I was incredibly,stressed. I had been Mum’s carer and I was so worried about Mum. One nurse took the time to sit down and talk me through everything, as well as listen to my concerns. I will always be grateful to that nurse.
It’s nice to know that some of my prayers are being answered.